Endoscopic Clip Device Locking Mechanism Prevents Tissue Pinching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopic clip devices have deficient locking mechanisms that can pinch target tissue, leading to improper function during hemostasis procedures.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic clip device with a sheath and clip arms that move between open and closed configurations, featuring locking mechanisms and a restraining mechanism to prevent tissue pinching between the locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If locking mechanisms are moved to lock the clip arms, then the clip arms can be securely locked in the closed configuration, but the target tissue may be pinched between the locking mechanisms causing improper function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidtissue pinching

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two separate functional components: a locking member that engages with the clip arm to secure it in the closed configuration, and a restraining member that prevents tissue from entering the locking mechanism area. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, thereby preventing tissue pinching while maintaining reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restraining member acts as an intermediary element between the locking member and the target tissue. It positions itself between the locking mechanism and the tissue to prevent direct contact that would cause pinching, while still allowing the locking mechanism to function properly to secure the clip arms in the closed configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If clip arms are drawn toward one another to grip tissue, then hemostasis is achieved, but the locking mechanisms may engage improperly and cause procedure failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehemostasis efficiencyVSAvoidprocedure success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The restraining member is positioned in advance before the clip arms are drawn together to grip the tissue. It is pre-configured to extend into the path where tissue might be pinched during the closing action, ensuring that when the clip arms are drawn together for hemostasis, the tissue is already protected from being pinched by the locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then clip arm locking is achieved, but tissue may be damaged leading to undesirable hemostasis procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclip arm locking reliabilityVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The design converts the potential harmful effect of the locking mechanism moving into contact with tissue by using the restraining member to redirect and contain the tissue. The restraining member transforms the locking mechanism's closing motion into a safe action by guiding the tissue away from the pinching zone, thereby converting what could be a harmful interaction into a beneficial protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS12213672B2Clip device for endoscope

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A clip device includes a sheath having a lumen with at least one open end and a plurality of clip arms movable between a first configuration in which the plurality of clip arms are opened to receive a target tissue, and a second configuration in which the plurality of clip arms are closed to grip the target tissue. Locking mechanisms respectively provided on the plurality of clip arms engage one another for maintaining the second configuration. A restraining mechanism is optionally configured to be associated with the locking mechanisms to prevent the target tissue from being pinched between the locking mechanisms.